Page 62 of Hidden Depths

“Suit yourself. It’s not how I would play it, but to each his own.”

“I’m not happy with how any of this is playing out.”

“I’m sorry if you don’t like my methods, but it’s my town, and this is how I get stuff done around here. You’re free to head back to the mainland at any time. No one is forcing you to stay.”

“Are you even going to look into these guys?”

He put a hand on Tom’s shoulder, and Tom pursed his lips, glancing at the hand but leaving it there. “I’ll tell you what, you leave your contact details with me, and I’ll see what I can do. If I find out anything further, you’ll be the first to know. But please, leave it with me. Other than that, if getting Sara away from here makes you feel like a hero, then more power to you.”

“Thanks for your time,” he grumbled as he walked out.

* * *

Sara was standing in the grass in front of the building with her arms wrapped around herself when Tom joined her.

“You okay?”

She nodded but didn’t move.

“I’m sorry about that. That didn’t go how I expected, but I can understand where he’s coming from even if he was a bully about it. His concerns weren’t extreme. He has every right to be wary. He doesn’t know either of us, and we don’t have much to go on.”

“He dismissed everything we told him.”

“Not everything. He said he’ll look into it.”

She sneered. “Yeah, sure he will.”

“He didn’t like hearing I was poking around, so he had to make a show of strength. It’s not that unusual. But he won’t let it go. It’s too important. If there’s a chance that the mafia are moving into town, he’ll look into it.”

“Are you going to back off like he wanted?”

“Are you kidding? If I don’t follow my own boss’s orders, I’m certainly not going to worry about his.”

She laughed. “I guess that’s something. I wasn’t prepared to be cross-examined like that.”

“That must have been easier than what the defense came at you with during Lansky’s trial.”

“I had been prepared for that. It was awful, but I didn’t expect the sheriff to treat me like a suspect.”

“He doesn’t think you’re a suspect. He’s protecting his people. But there’s nothing more we can do here, so let’s not dwell on it. We’ll grab a bite to eat and head home.”

The word “home” sent an unwanted shiver of longing through her. They weren’t going home. They were going to a holiday apartment for the night, and then she was leaving. Alone.

Chapter16

“Could you call your boss again?”Sara asked as they drove back to the condo.

“I’m still facing the same problem I had the last time I rang. No evidence.”

“But I’ve identified them now. Doesn’t that make a difference?”

“A little. But it’s not enough. He’ll ask if I’ve spoken to the sheriff.” He shook his head. “It’s not a good idea. I’ll have to find more first.”

Sara was silent as they walked up to the condo.

“You have that look on your face,” Tom said once they were inside.

“What look?”

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